HGV drivers transport products from one location to another. They move commodities on a local, national, and global scale for suppliers and consumers. You will spend a lot of time on the road as a truck driver and may be away from home regularly. You will plan delivery schedules and ensure that loads are delivered on time and to the correct locations.
Responsibilities
Throughout your apprenticeship, you may help:
- provide excellent customer service to promote your company
- make sure companies and individuals get the goods they need
- plan delivery schedules and routes with transport managers
- make sure loads are safely secured
- check your vehicle to identify and report any issues
- drive safely within the law and keep your vehicle tidy and roadworthy
- follow traffic reports and change your route if necessary
- supervise or help to load and unload goods
- complete delivery paperwork and log books.
Salary
- Apprentice HGV drivers can earn in the region of £17,000 per year.
- Trained with experience HGV drivers can earn in the region of £20,000 and £40,000.
- Drivers of specialist fuel and chemical tankers can earn in excess of £40,000.
Working hours
You will typically work 38 to 52 hours per week, working evenings, weekends and back holidays, working away from home.
Working environment
Your working environment may be physically active and you’ll travel often.
Qualifications
Qualifications you can achieve as an apprentice HGV driver include:
- Level 2 Large Goods Vehicle Driver – Entry requirements for this level include some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship. This qualification will take 12 months to complete.
Skills
On a HGV driver apprenticeship, you’ll learn:
- knowledge of vehicle and public safety and security
- concentration skills for staying focused while driving
- customer service skills
- the ability to organise your time and workload
- excellent verbal communication skills
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- physical skills like lifting, bending and carrying
- knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device.
Career path and progression
Shift allowances and incentives are often utilised to increase your compensation.
You might further your studies and get an ADR (Advisory Dangerous Items by Road) Certificate to carry hazardous commodities by tanker, such as poisonous chemicals.
With time and experience, you may become an LGV instructor, freight transport planner, or manager.
You might work as a self-employed LGV driver for numerous companies or create your own transportation business.